Am I missing something?

Hi, Having just sold my last 996 C2, I'm now on the look out for my next car and can't make head nor tail of the prices at the moment. For example, I've seen C4S cars ranging from 34k to £43k....but who would buy a C4s at 40k and above when you can now have a 997 for nearly £40k? I was going to go for a C4s but as they are so close in value to early 997's surely the smarter money would be to get the later car? (Especially as I could keep it for longer under warranty)...but I don't know which would depreciate less... Don't get me wrong the C4s is a lovely car but I thought the value would have softened a bit more now that 997's have dropped in value? Opinions and views welcome

hi... i'm probably a touch biased as my C4S is up for sale, but i think the 997s in the low 40s are generally high mileage, lower spec cars. guess the real question should be like-for-like, how much more would someone pay for a 997-C2S vs a 996 C4S... when i bought my car, an equivalent spec 997 C2S would have been around £10k more. i personally decided to buy 996 C4S based on - £10k saving - 4wd - i like the look of the 996 C4S (body + rear centre reflector) - i found a low-mileage 996 with every option guess its all a matter of taste... anyway, change in situation means my car is up for sale. will be trading it in to an OPC dealer soon, private enquires welcome!

The C4S - 997 debate is not as clear cut as 'price'. I have a C4S which is a 2005 car. It was barely 9 months old when I brought it and I could have brought (for not much more) a nearly new bod basic 997 (the earlier 04 launch 997s were not coming up much cheaper). I like the C4S and its rear reflector (as scaramanga has pointed out) and brought it because I prefered the car. The 997 is a nice car and there is no getting away from that. However, I think Porsches (especially 911s) as a whole are made for and brought by people who love a particular car and for many, price does not come into it. As long as you buy the best you can afford, what difference does it make? Why would you buy a 997 if you prefer a C4S or is it more about buying a 'current shape car? The 997 will change again this year and I am sure the values of the 997 will soften. I'm not sure the C4S will suffer as much as it is already an 'old shape'. Many people, like myself, prefer the C4S because it is a little different (I would love a GT3 - as it is different and drives like no other - but has no back seats) but like the GT3 which will always have a inflated value (obviously because it is what it is, but also because it is not like a standard car) and I think the C4S will always have some 'edge' in values when it comes to re-sales. I'm sure owners of the current 997 C4S would not have the same attachment to their cars as the owners of 996 C4S owners do? When Porsche update the 997 later this year, I would bet that they will be thinking of addressing this issue with the updated C4S (ie bringing back the rear reflector to make the car stand out from the bog standard car). Then we would see what the true values of these cars are.

Just to add more confusion to the debate. You can also get 996 Turbo's for not alot more money! Now thats a real bargain at the moment!

I take in all of the points above and can appreciate that those looking for a 996 C4s may be completely different buyers to those wanting a 997 however I'm sure the majority of the Porsche buying public would go for the newer 997. There will always be those who are seduced by the C4s. On the subject of prices, I have seen a 2001 996 Turbo with 40k miles for £37.5k, and a 2002 C4s with 39k miles for £35k....so there are bargains to be had.....definitely a buyers market right now. I've also seen 2 997's with high spec and under 30k miles for £43k.... I wouldn't go for the turbo due to running costs but I'm no where nearer deciding wether to stretch budget for a 997 or play safe with the ever desirable C4s.....

Hmm so just to make the mix more interesting then...I am about to make anoffer on an anniversary, no options to speak of, low miles (27k) and £39k....again same debate, I gamble on the comparative rarity of the anniversary car (only 1963 made worldwide) and yes C4S is the one everyone wants BUT so many out there? Is 4 wheel over 2 that noticeable for us "joe public" drivers or just the perception of added safety.

Hi Hasan, one more to be add confusion to the mix : Im on a hunt for a 911 as well - actually I have a deal settled already, everything should be completed next week ( isn't before because of Easter ! grrrrrrrrrrr damn bunnies ! ) Now the thing is : I had my heart set on a C4S - love the turbo shape. 997 doesnt struck me. Yes, they are newer but... honestly, I have to agree with Clarckson - looks like a vw on running shoes. I think they lost a bit of charisma on the transition. Love the 997 Turbo though. Seems soooooooo different. Anyway. Why not consider a 996 TT ? Running costs ? Again, as I said, I was initially looking for a C4S but until someone offered me a turbo whithin the same budget - had a look just out of interest and found a nice surprise - the running costs ( started looking at the invoices with a bit more attention ) were on average 20 to 25% more than a C4S, sometimes the same. Remember, C4S shares loads of components with the TT - brakes, suspension, tyres, etc. Yes , the major service is couple of hundred more but the rest is only a tad increase. And yet.. the test drive showed that the C4S is a very fast car, very full of grip. But the TT is warp zone. It is just another dimension. Honestly. If the C4S is a drug, it is caffeine. The TT is cocaine. Its just unbelievable. Honestly, if I were you, I would search for a TT - much more fun than a plain 997 - plus, its a buyers market. I got a good price for my TT - not a bargain but I had a look at a couple and found one with full service history, owner is a nice chap , PCGB member, car been serviced all the time and now the agonizing time of waiting for the PPi. As someone said, yes, the 997 is newer but when a new shape comes out it will start to depreciate faster and faster. Heck, when the restyling comes out will start to depreciate. You looking to spend 40ish on a C4S or 10k extra for a 997 ? No brainer, really. Example : Found a 2004, 40k miles, still on OPC warranty 996 TT high spec. 50k. Beats any "simple" 997 by a mile. Mind that a 50k or high 40k's 997 will be 2005-6. Does 1 to 2 years make a heap of difference ? Think twice my friend.. TT is the way Cheers, Goncalo

ups sorry, for the 50k mark is the 996 TT with X50 with low miles, fully specced. 39-45k gets you a non X50, TT, plenty of specs. Really, think about it. Come to the dark side ps : I've looked at quite a few 34-35ish C4S. Beware. I had to bump my budget by a couple of grand to start getting decent examples. Bargain and Porsche are two words that really don't go along together. Honestly, I found the sub 35k C4S appalling - Im no Porsche expert, just read everything I could on 911's and buyers guide. And some just look a piece of ... If it's a C4S your after, from what I saw, 37-38-39 is the figure to go for good, unmolested, sub 40kmiles, 2002-2003. But... 39ish is TT territory. for a few more you get into NICE TT territory. Honestly, big difference between a 996 C2 and C4S ? Not really. Now, the TT... that's another story...

Hi, My 2003 C4S is 41,300 miles, unmolested and gorgeous. I took 12 months to find her having seen many shocking 911's. Overall down to taste. With regard to C4S or Turbo down to whether you prefer normally aspirated or Turbo?? Have to say the 996TT's are great value for money now. It is interesting how the C4S residuals are holding. May be if I keep mine for another 20 years I will get more than I paid for her[ ][ ][ ] Enjoy the search. Alan

in case anyone is looking, just dropped the price of my C4S to 40,750 http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=359279